Photo: BBC Press Office
Entering its 45th season this month and kicking off tonight (Tuesday 16 September), it's no surprise the show has gained a cult following over the years, - with stunning performances from world class artists week in/week out. With such a strong legacy it would be fair to say there have been too many groundbreaking performances to name in the hundreds of episodes that have aired, but nevertheless, here are some of our favourites.
Bloc Party: 'Like Eating Glass' (2004)
Making an impact from the offset, Bloc Party's performance of their Silent Alarm opener fast established them as a band to watch, with some of the best live drumming the show has ever seen working perfectly alongside an urgent performance from the rest of the group - and Kele's vocals possessing that precise sense of desperation that brilliantly exemplifies the group's ability to craft an anthem early into their career.
At The Drive In: 'One Armed Scissor' (2000)
One of (if not the) most visceral performances Later... has ever seen, At The Drive In's rendition of 'One Armed Scissor' still sits firmly in the memory of many, for better or worse, bringing a much needed sense of chaos to the studio that still hasn't quite been matched 14 years later.
Grinderman: 'No Pussy Blues' (2007)
Nick Cave has always been a menacing character, but this performance in 2007 was truly terrifying, and a testament to Grinderman's ability to craft an uncomfortably eerie atmosphere with raw, gritty undertones and overall chaotic brilliance.
Desert Sessions: 'Make It Wit Chu' (2003)
This collaboration Josh Homme and PJ Harvey was a result of the celebrated Desert Sessions, and this gloriously chilled classic was without doubt one of the smoothest performances in Later's history, with Homme in a sharp suit, glasses of wine on the piano and best of all, PJ Harvey's delicate tones delightfully pacifying the QOTSA frontman's deep, meandering vocals.
St Vincent: 'Digital Witness' (2014)
This year really saw St Vincent come into her own, crafting arguably the finest album of her career with a stunning live show to match. It is with little surprise then that her performance of 'Digital Witness' proved to be one of the highlights of the last series, perfectly choreographed with tight instrumentation, Annie remaining in character throughout. Completely flawless.
PJ Harvey: 'This Is Love' (2001)
We know featuring PJ Harvey on this list twice may be slightly frowned upon, but the strength of her performance of 'This Is Love' in 2001 completely justifies our decision. Ferocious and effortless, this rendition of one of her best singles from the Mercury-winning Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea was on point in every way - taking things to visceral new heights without detracting from the refreshing simplicity of her approach.
Solomon Burke: 'Cry To Me' (2002)
Solomon Burke, with his gargantuan voice, surrounded by a massive band dressed in festive clothing, sat on a throne. Do we really need to keep explaining why this is beyond brilliant?
Johnny Cash: 'Folsom Prison Blues' (1994)
Visual proof of why Cash was such an icon, this performance of one of his many career-defining hits was simplistic and seamless, showcasing his timeless talent in an intimate setting, the man himself enjoying every minute of playing the classic to a receptive audience.
Ian Dury: 'Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll' (1998)
Despite Dury no doubt no longer in his prime by this point, it didn't stop this performance of The Blockheads classic being one of the most joyous moments Later... has ever seen. With the whole band (Jools included) beaming throughout, that slapdash charm that Dury had cultivated through his career came in spades, proving why he was one of Britain's best loved performers.
Kanye West: 'Blood on the Leaves' (2013)
Yeezus no doubt divided opinion as an album, and West will always have his critics, but no one can deny the raw energy and power of this performance was transcendent, perfectly indicative of the variety of talent Later... attracts.
R.E.M: 'Nightswimming' (2003)
Stripped back, intimate and overwhelmingly emotional, this particular appearance on Later... will no doubt sit as a defining moment of R.E.M's career, showcasing their songwriting talents which perhaps got overlooked throughout the rest of their discography. A highlight for many, Stipe's vocals are remarkably passionate, whilst the repetitive piano melody gives everything a beautifully basic edge, simply stunning.
Pulp: 'Disco 2000' (1995)
Jarvis has always been a prolific frontman, but this particular appearance in 1995 took things to a new level, defining him as the voice of a generation with a dynamite performance from Pulp. Capturing the sense of lovestruck confusion that travels throughout their discography, this performance was fantastically immersive and bursting with energy.
Arctic Monkeys: 'From the Ritz to the Rubble' (2005)
Back in the early days, when Alex Turner wore Topman jumpers instead of sharp suits and quiffs, Arctic Monkeys were just exploding onto the scene - their inaugural performance on Later... was all the proof that was needed to justify the ridiculous hype that had surrounded them up to that point. Their appearance nine years ago also saw them play singles 'I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor' and 'When The Sun Goes Down', but it was the visceral and unashamedly frank 'From the Ritz to the Rubble' that resonated most.
Radiohead: 'Paranoid Android' (1997)
Yorke and co are regulars on Jools and have performed on the show pretty much every time they've released an album, which leaves us with a wealth of highlights to choose from. It is this rendition of 'Paranoid Android' that will no doubt sit most fondly in the memory of the public though, a raw yet calculated performance that transcended everything else out there at the time. Truly mesmeric in parts and ferocious in others, this is how you play a TV show.
